Thursday, February 28, 2013

Bridge collapse at Putrajaya/Cyberjaya

A bridge under construction collapsed today at around 1pm at the Selangor Science Park 2 Interchange between the Putrajaya Toll Plaza and Putrajaya/Cyberjaya on the Lingkaran Putrajaya stretch - an exit from the Elite Highway (KM P2.4) towards the Selangor Science Park 2.

The flyover is managed and owned by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), the road below it is managed by PLUS Malaysia Berhad. A main pipe running along the flyover also broke in the incident, sending water gushing out.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident as the flyover has not been in use since December.

ELITE highway users heading towards Putrajaya or Cyberjaya are advised to exit the highway via the Saujana Putra Interchange before entering the SKVE highway to Putrajaya/Cyberjaya.

We will learn more about the collapse after statement release by PKNS.



Source: NST


View Selangor Science Park 2 in a larger map

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

What's happening down under in Johor Bahru?

Ever seen one of these here in Malaysia? You probably would have if you are in Penang or Johor Bahru.

This installation is a new aid in law enforcement and crime-fighting. The one in the picture is in Johor Bahru and is a recently-installed kiosk that is directly linked to Johor police HQ.

It is located at the Jalan Wong Ah Fook-Jalan Station junction and is meant for the public to call the police in case of an emergency. It is monitored by a CCTV.

This kiosk is the second in the country, the first one being in Penang.

How it works is that in case of an emergency, one only has to stand close to the kiosk, press a button and speak directly into its intercom. A police officer on the other end will then speak with the complainant as in a teleconference. A police team will then be sent to the kiosk immediately to assist in the situation.

Stats show that crime rate has gone down by almost 10% from a year ago. With this new feature, it is anticipated it will help reduce further the crime rate in the region, i.e., the Johor Bahru Iskandar area.

Johor Bahru City Council mayor Burhan Amin said after a ceremony to hand over the kiosk to the Johor police yesterday, "I believe the new kiosk can further instill confidence in visitors here with regard to the level of safety in the city.

"This is in line with our aspiration to make Johor Bahru a global city by 2020."

Source: NST..Cops a press of a button away


Wouldn't you feel a lot safer now when in Johor Bahru?

JB, as it is commonly-referred to, has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. This is attributed to extensive development in the southern capital city. Along with it, the resultant increased inflow of visitors across the Causeway from Singapore.

JB is now the extended playground of many Singaporeans nowadays. They shop, eat and derive entertainment from the many shopping malls, entertainment establishments and food outlets that have sprung up of late.

Many Singaporeans do their shopping in Johor Bahru, taking advantage of the currency exchange rate which is greatly in their favour. The Malaysian Ringgit which used to be on par with the Singapore Dollar is today (Feb 27) at less than 40sen (39.97sen to be exact) to the Sing dollar! In other words, one Singapore Dollar now equals to RM2.5016. This is reason enough for JB to be teeming with Singaporean shoppers during the weekend doing their weekly grocery-shopping or spending a day here in bustling (and cheap price-wise by their standards) JB.

I read the other day that many Singaporeans of Chinese descent even have their Chinese New Year Reunion dinner in restaurants this side of the Causeway in Johor Bahru and that reservations are being made one year in advance! Restaurants are taking reservations for next year's Reunion dinner! Btw, Chinese New Year in 2014 (Year of the Horse) will be on Jan 31, in case you need to make reservations ahead.


View Larger Map

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

5th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - March 28 to 31


Like other capital cities around the world, there is always something happening too here in Kuala Lumpur.

Yes, the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is back in Malaysia!

If you and your family had so much fun at the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at Putrajaya last year, you will be sure to have yet another unforgettable experience at this year's event!

For the first-timer, it will be an awesome experience not to be missed!


Come March 28 – 31, Malaysia will once again host a fiesta like no other in the country! The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta returns to the Monumen Alaf Baru (also known as Monument Millennium) grounds for the fifth year running promising to be more exciting, more fun-filled with activities the whole family can partake in.


You will get to see more exciting special shaped balloons such as the Smurf Balloon, piloted by Koen Audenaert of Belgium, as well as the Clown Balloon piloted by Sven Grenzner of Germany. Great photo opportunity there so don't leave home without your camera.

2013 also marks the return of the highly-anticipated “night glow” event where the hot air balloons will participate in a light-and-sound show on the night of March 30; culminating in a beautiful display of fireworks. You don't want to miss that!


Look forward to activities including
- a para-motor exhibition
- helicopter joy rides – suitable for families who welcome a unique experience
- tethered hot air balloon rides
- Mountain Dew Extreme Zone

and for the young ones,
- colouring contests
- other on-ground competitions.

You can also expect new and exciting activities including the Walk in the Balloon where visitors can experience being actually inside the giant balloons, music performance by the Kuala Lumpur Jazz Festival amongst others. Get 30% discount should you choose to use the KLIA Transit to Putrajaya during the fiesta period. How cool is that!

For optimum enjoyment, here is the suggested Visitor Guideline:

1. Come as early as you can to catch their 7am morning flight.
2. Wear proper attire and get ready for outdoor activities. A set of extra clothes would be a good idea just in case.
3. Be prepared for the weather. Bring shades and/or an umbrella.
4. Tickets for hot air balloon rides are limited, so come early to secure your ride.
5. Bring your camera or your sketchpad or whatever you have. Memories are made of such events. If you are tweeting or instagramming to share with friends and family, do remember to tag it #myballoonfiesta.
6. BYOB i.e., Bring your own bicycle to cycle around the event site as parking might be a hassle.
and finally
7. If you get lost, the landmark is the Monument Alaf Baru, Precinct 2, Putrajaya.

Here is how to get there to the 5th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

More information about the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2013 activity lineup and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained by visiting www.myballoonfiesta.com or by calling 03-7981 8769.

See you there!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Chinese New Year - the 15th day - Chap Goh Meh

Source: The Star..All set for Chap Goh Meh

We have come to the last day of Chinese New Year 2013, the Yuan Xiao Festival. The 15th day or commonly referred to locally as Chap Goh Meh is celebrated with a final lavish dinner either at home or at a restaurant. After today, the raw fish salad will be taken off the menu in restaurants as well as other Chinese New Year-related dishes.

Yuan Xiao Festival is traditionally celebrated as a Lantern Festival, not to be confused with Mid-Autumn Festival however. In the old days in China, people would design and make their own lanterns and put them up for display in a competition. Riddles were written on the lanterns with prizes to be won if one is able to get the answer right. Nowadays, some people still display lanterns but in their own home.

Yuan Xiao or Chap Goh Meh is also known as Chinese Valentine Day attributed to a tradition of maidens tossing oranges into the river hoping to marry a good husband. The tradition is said to originate from the Hokkien community. In the old days, while ladies tossed oranges, men would toss mini-drums - both with their name and where they were from written down. These days, it has evolved into just the maidens tossing oranges.

If you are in Penang, don't miss out on the activity at the Esplanade plus a whole lot of other fun activities already planned out by the Penang state government for Chap Goh Meh tonight.

Happy Chap Goh Meh, everyone, and best wishes for a new year of happiness, health and wealth!



Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day
- Chinese New Year - the Seventh day
- Chinese New Year - the Eighth day
- Chinese New Year - the Ninth day
- Chinese New Year - the 10th day
- Chinese New Year - the 11th day
- Chinese New Year - the 12th day
- Chinese New Year - the 13th day
- Chinese New Year - the 14th day

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Chinese New Year - the 14th day

We are celebrating the 14th day of Chinese New Year today, the final two days of Spring Festival 2013.

Basically, there is no special activity connected to this 14th day but in places celebrating Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao day tomorrow, today is a day for preparation for the annual Chinese New Year event. Therefore the 14th day of Chinese New Year is also known as The Lantern Decoration Day.

Tomorrow, the last day of Chinese New Year, i.e., the 15th day is also known as Chap Goh Meh literally translated as the 15th night in the Fujian/Hokkien and Teochew dialects.

Chap Goh Meh is celebrated on a grand scale on the island of Penang, the island state with a higher population of people of Chinese descent. The event is sponsored by the Penang state government. It is free and open to everyone with food and drinks being served - including halal food.

There will be two stages being set up for the celebration. On the stage at the Esplanade, there will be Chinese ‘24 Drums’ performance, dance performances, singing performances, ‘Wu Shu’, Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural performances. There will also be the customary tossing of mandarin oranges led by Chief Minister, YAB Mr Lim Guan Eng.

The smaller stage close to City Hall will be dedicated to Peranakan performances starting from 7.30pm. There will be performances of the traditional joget, pantun, dondang sayang and a few Hokkien Songs. At 8.30pm there will be a special Kebaya Competition, open to women of all ages regardless of background. The highlight of the Peranakan stage is a special performance from world renowned theatre group "My Wayang" from Singaproe.

Finally there will be a 10-minute fireworks display at 11.00pm at the Esplanade as a closing to the festive night and the Chinese New Year.

Event: Chap Goh Meh Penang State Open House
Date: 24 February 2013
Time: 8.00pm – 9.30pm
Venue: Esplanade
*Free admission

For more details, visit the Penang Tourism website.



Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day
- Chinese New Year - the Seventh day
- Chinese New Year - the Eighth day
- Chinese New Year - the Ninth day
- Chinese New Year - the 10th day
- Chinese New Year - the 11th day
- Chinese New Year - the 12th day
- Chinese New Year - the 13th day

Friday, February 22, 2013

Friday Frolics - What Is Your Brain Good At?

Oops! Almost forgot about this week's Friday Frolics personality quiz. Take the quiz to find out what your brain is good at..



Your Mind is Attentive


You are always paying close attention to what's going on around you. You are focused but also a multitasker.

You are a doer, not a dreamer. You like to put all your ideas into action.



You are very productive. You are good at knowing what needs to get done first and then doing it.

You are proactive, and you try not to let anything slide. You avoid lazy thinking habits.

Last Week's Quiz - What Symbol Candy Heart Are You?

Chinese New Year - the 13th day

We have come to the 13th day of Chinese New Year today. After all the lavish meals the past two weeks or so, we are expected to eat plainer meals this thirteenth day.


Day 13 is dedicated to Guan Yu to commemorate his death anniversary. Guan Yu (often reverently called Guan Gong (Lord Guan) and Guan Di (Emperor Guan), was a general in the Three Kingdom period, (2211-263 AD) in the Han Dynasty.

Winning hundreds of battles during his service to the country, he is also known as God of Success and God of Wealth. Business people worship him hoping to emulate him in winning battles on business deals.

Considered to be the greatest general in Chinese history. He represents loyalty, strength, truth, and justice. Guan Yu is also worshipped by gangsters. Some people visit the temple of General Guan Yu to pray for safety and money luck.



Image source of Guan Yu: Wikipedia


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day
- Chinese New Year - the Seventh day
- Chinese New Year - the Eighth day
- Chinese New Year - the Ninth day
- Chinese New Year - the 10th day
- Chinese New Year - the 11th day
- Chinese New Year - the 12th day

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Chinese New Year - the 12th day

Today is the 12th day of Chinese New Year in the lunar year of 4711 - this is how long the Chinese lunar calendar has been in use.

Though everyday life has resumed for most, if not all of us, who celebrate this Spring festival, the feel of festivity in still in the air and people continue to visit each other. This morning, in the distance, I heard the sound of two successive lion dance performances. You could tell from the drum beats and cymbals clanging. Some small-time Chinese companies (for example in carpentry and house-renovation business) have just started work today. A lion dance performance would be a good way to usher in the new year.

According to Chinese Astrology expert Joey Yap, the best time to start work this year in the Year of the Snake is today, the 12th day, and the auspicious time was at 6:30am. It is believed that adhering to auspicious times to start work in the new year would ensure a smooth year throughout the year.


For obvious reason the 12th day is also known as The Diarrhea Day. This is in relation to after 11 days of meat and other greasy food consumption.

In places where the Lantern Festival is celebrated with lantern displays and related activities, people there will begin making preparation for the Lantern Festival which is on the 15th day of Chinese New Year and which marks the end of the Spring festival.


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day
- Chinese New Year - the Seventh day
- Chinese New Year - the Eighth day
- Chinese New Year - the Ninth day
- Chinese New Year - the 10th day
- Chinese New Year - the 11th day

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Chinese New Year - the 11th day


Today is the 11th day of Chinese New Year, five more days, including today, before the Chinese New Year or Spring festival comes to a close. There is no particular significance tied to this 11th day though people still visit each other or get together for a meal either at home or in a restaurant. As it is still Chinese New Year, food served is still Chinese New Year kind of food that comes with symbolic meanings including steamed whole white chicken, whole fish, oyster dishes, egg dishes, dumplings (jiaozi), stick rice cake (nian kao), carrot cake and so forth.

Homes and business premises are still decorated with Chinese New Year decorations. Spotted this at the vicinity of KLCC along Jalan P Ramlee the other day.

And this decoration along (Bukit) Bintang Walk near Pavilion Mall..

The Chinese character above is the word 'Fu'. It means blessing or happiness. The word is placed upside down reason being the word 'upside down' is a homonym with 'arrival' so placement of this word upside down means 'blessing or happiness has arrived' which is auspicious in nature.

Decorations such as this and calligraphic couplets are common in homes during Chinese New Year. Red paper-cuttings are also popular besides lanterns, flowering plants and lime plants. Pussy willow stalks are also common so are fake plum blossom stalks that come with light pink or dark pink blossoms.

For first-time meetings in the new year, we still exchange new year greetings..


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day
- Chinese New Year - the Seventh day
- Chinese New Year - the Eighth day
- Chinese New Year - the Ninth day
- Chinese New Year - the 10th day



Source of top image


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Chinese New Year - the 10th day & Free seats from AirAsia

AirAsia is doing it again, this time offering some 200,000 free seats to popular destinations that include Bali, Singapore, Krabi and Hatyai. Local destinations are such as Johor Bharu and Kota Baru are also included. The offer started yesterday, Feb 18, and runs through to Sunday, Feb 24.

Free seats are available for one-way trip which excludes the fuel surcharge and airport tax. Travel period is between March 1 to July 13. So, if you are planning a holiday within this time-frame, the free seat would come in handy.

During this promotion period tickets from as low as RM39 one-way are also available for Terengganu, Alor Setar, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Jakarta and Hong Kong.


Source: The Star..AirAsia offering 200,000 free seats to popular getaways



Today is the 10th day of Chinese New Year. If you are visiting this blog for the first time, let me wish you a..


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day
- Chinese New Year - the Seventh day
- Chinese New Year - the Eighth day
- Chinese New Year - the Ninth day

Monday, February 18, 2013

Flash floods hit Puchong

Was told this evening about Puchong being flooded but didn't expect it to be this bad.




According to The Star, the 30-minute flash flood was caused by backflow from monsoon drains feeding into the Klang river. It reached 0.8m in height at parts of Km 21.36 and caused a number of cars to stall.

The basement floors of IOI Mall Puchong opposite the affected highway section were flooded as well including the interior of the mall, causing several businesses at the entrance to shut down temporarily while cleaning operations were taking place.


Related article:
Freak storm and strong winds yesterday wreaked havoc
across the Klang Valley resulting in flash floods and trees being uprooted damaging property.



Chinese New Year - the Ninth day

Today, the Ninth day of Chinese New Year, is the birthday of the Jade Emperor. He is the Supreme Deity in Taoism. All deities of the heaven and the earth celebrate this day.

The birthday of the Jade Emperor is an important occasion for the Fujian/Hokkien community who worship him with incense and food offerings. The ritual starts on the eve of the 9th day of Chinese New Year, i.e., last night. If you have been kept awake by fireworks and firecrackers last night and into the wee hours of the morning, know that you were also an (indirect) participant in the celebration. Kidding, of course.

Last night was a busy night for people who were preparing for the worship. You can read about the preparation in the 8th day post.

For the other communities not involved in this ritual, today is just another Chinese New Year day. The merry-making of house-visits, get-togethers, and dinners are still going on.


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day
- Chinese New Year - the Seventh day
- Chinese New Year - the Eighth day

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Chinese New Year - the Eighth day

Chinese New Year is a festival of 15 days. It starts on the first day of the first lunar month ending on the 15th day, the first full moon of the new lunar year. Today is the 8th day into the new lunar year or what is known as the 8th day of Chinese New Year.

Each of the first six days of the new year is dedicated to a birthday of a particular animal - chicken, dog, pig, sheep, ox/cattle, and horse. The seventh day (yesterday) was the birthday of the common man.

Today, the Eighth day of Chinese New Year is known as The Completion Day.

The Completion Day basically means people should return from the holiday vacation and go back to work. All the meat and cakes prepared for Chinese New Year should finish on this day. Everything should be back to normal. Of course, this could be what was practised in the old days. Today, cookies and other tidbits for the festival are still available and ready for guests when they come visit.

Though most of us have gone back to our routine, the customary activities that make Chinese New Year what it is are still being practised until the end of the 15 days of this Spring festival. The common activities include visiting homes of relatives and friends, near and far; getting together for dinners mostly in restaurants which has to include that lou sang raw fish salad tossing; giving and receiving of hongbao/red packets; wearing new clothes (yes, some people make it a point to have 15 pieces of new clothing - one for every day of the 15-day festival); making an effort to use good/positive language and generally being nice.

For the Hokkien or Fujian people, another family dinner is held tonight to celebrate the eve of the birth of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven.

Approaching 12 midnight on this Eighth day, Hokkien people prepare for a Jade Emperor ritual (Pai Ti Gong or 拜天公) to honour him on his birthday where incense is burnt and food offerings made. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off as an accompaniment to this ritual. The spluttering noise of these is believed to chase away evil spirits replaced by good fortune. This ritual is very much celebrated here in Malaysia, especially in Penang where a large part of the population is of Hokkien or Fujian heritage. It is also much practised in Singapore.

The Hokkien community considers this day as the Hokkien New Year, celebrated on a grander scale than the first day of new year.

Traditional food items offered to the Jade Emperor include sugarcane, thni kuih (sweet cakes), ang koo (red glutinous rice cakes with a tortoise-shell print), mee koo (red-coloured buns), huat kuih (prosperity cakes) and t'ng tak (bright pink miniature sugar pagodas). These cakes symbolize longevity and prosperity for the year ahead.

To give you an idea of the ritual, here is a montage of images courtesy of Google:

This ritual is actually a thanksgiving offering to the Jade Emperor. Legend has it that in the old days, the Fujian province was invaded and the people took refuge in the sugarcane plantation. When they emerged from their hiding, it was already the Ninth day of Chinese New Year, the birthday of the Jade Emperor. Believing that it was the Jade Emperor who delivered them from their misery, the Fujian people offered thanks to the Jade Emperor and this ritual has been practised since.

Source: Visitpenang.gov.my

Sugarcane in Hokkien/Fujian is kam chia which sounds like 'thank you' in the dialect, thus sugarcane is a must item included in the thanksgiving offering. The entire plant is being offered.

This worship is normally held at home with a table set up in front of the house to place the incense, food and drink offerings, and others. In places where there is a temple of Jade Emperor, it will be crowded the night of the 8th lunar day. No matter where the ritual is held - at home or at a temple - Chinese people always pray for better luck, safety, health, love or money for self and the whole family.

Happy Pai Ti Gong!


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day
- Chinese New Year - the Seventh day



Saturday, February 16, 2013

Carnival Triumph cruise ship passengers happy to be back on land

This still being Chinese New Year, it is good to focus on nice and positive things and events.

You would have read about the Carnival Triumph cruise that didn't go quite so well but here's a happy side to it.

Cruise ship passengers reunite Friday in Galveston, Texas, after taking an eight-hour bus ride from Mobile, Ala., where the Carnival Triumph docked late Thursday night. Galveston is the home port of the ill-fated ship. (Jennifer Reynolds, Associated Press / February 15, 2013) - latimes.com

Chinese New Year - the Seventh day

Today is the Seventh day of Chinese New Year, a day traditionally known as Rénrì (人日, the common man's birthday), the day when everyone grows one year older. It is celebrated not only in China, but also in other regions influenced by Chinese culture. Some traditional families serve Misua, a Chinese type of angel hair noodle, or noodles to ensure long life.

It is a fine day this Renri, Human day. Legend has it that if the weather on Renri is fine, it can be forecast that God will grant good luck to all people on earth. Fireworks and Hua Pao (花炮) are lit, so Renri celebrates the "birthday" of fire as well. (Wikipedia)


Here in Malaysia and Singapore, Chinese restaurants would be fully-booked as it is an auspicious day to 'lou sang' with family and friends. People get together to toss the colorful raw fish salad, yee sang or yusheng in Mandarin, and make wishes for continued wealth and prosperity.

Families continue to visit relatives and friends bringing with them Mandarin oranges (at least) and other goodies in a tradition of fostering goodwill and family ties. It is customary for gifts to be exchanged especially the Mandarin oranges. Children are happiest collecting hongbao or gifts of money in red envelopes.

Happy Renri, everyone!


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day
- Chinese New Year - the Fifth day
- Chinese New Year - the Sixth day

Friday, February 15, 2013

Chinese New Year - the Sixth day

Today is the Sixth day of Chinese New Year.

From the sixth to the tenth day, people continue to make visits to their relatives and friends. Many people also visit temples to pray for good fortune and health for the family. Friends gather for 'lou sang' - a Chinese dinner that starts with tossing the fish salad for health, wealth or whatever one wishes for in the new year.

The sixth day of the Chinese New Year is also known as “Ma Ri” (the day of the horse) as this day is believed to be the birthday of the horse.


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- Chinese New Year - the First day
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Friday Frolics - What Symbol Candy Heart Are You?

This being the season of Valentine, let's do a quiz about love and romance. Thought-provoking questionnaire too.

Happy Friday!



You Are a Peace Symbol Heart


You value love that's harmonious and compassionate. You want to completely trust the person you give your heart to.

You don't like relationships that have too much bickering or fighting. You believe love should be a sanctuary.



Your ideal Valentine would be happy to just be hanging out with you. You want someone who's into you... not where you're going to dinner.

You're looking for a partner who treasures the deeper and simpler things in a relationship. There's no substitute for quality time and connection.



Your ideal Valentine's Day would be personal and thoughtful. You don't want the cookie cutter experience of dinner, chocolates, or flowers.

Unless any of the above were homemade. You think it's always the thought that counts - especially on this holiday.

Last Friday's Quiz - What Utensil Are You?

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Chinese New Year - the Fifth day

Today is the Fifth day of Chinese New Year.


The Fifth day of the Chinese New Year is known as the Festival of Po Wu (“Po” means breaking). According to tradition, it is believed that many taboos can be broken on this day thus named Festival of Po Wu (破五). Traditionally, this is the day when trash collected over the past four days can now be disposed of but not sure if this is still practised today.

Businesses traditionally re-open on Po Wu, and many shop owners and business people set off firecrackers to ensure good fortune for the new year. Lion dance performances are also held to usher in good tidings.

The Fifth day is also to welcome the God of Wealth (it is also his birthday) and food offerings are laid out to welcome him. Visits to friends and colleagues are resumed although many prefer to stay at home for fear they might miss the visit from the God of Wealth.

On this Fifth day, people make it a point to eat dumplings (Jiaozhi) as dumplings are shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots thus eating dumplings is believed to bring wealth and prosperity.

The Fifth day is believed to be the birthday of Ox/Cattle.


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day
- Chinese New Year - the Fourth day


By the way, for those of us who are still not tired of Psy and his Gangnam Style, here is a video of his performance in Penang on the second day of Chinese New Year. Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love conquers all and we do need it now more than ever so let me interrupt this series of Chinese New Year daily posts to wish one and all A Happy Valentine's Day!


Today is also the 154th birthday of George Ferris, the man most famous for creating the original Ferris Wheel for the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition. If you go to Google's homepage today, an interactive Google doodle awaits honouring both Valentine's Day and George Ferris.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Chinese New Year - the Fourth day

Today is the Fourth day of Chinese New Year. Some of us are still on holiday though traditionally, the fourth day is an auspicious day to reopen for business after the new year holiday. Still, there are some smaller Chinese companies that are still closed and will open only after the ninth day of Chinese New Year but more of the ninth day later. These days, fengshui predictions have fine-tuned the process and able to pinpoint auspicious days to start work in the new year.

Companies may hold a dinner for their employees on this first day of work.

People still go visiting and paying respect. People are still wearing new clothes and children are still enjoying collecting goodluck money or Hongbao (red envelopes with gift-money) from elders when they go visiting. Hongbao is still being given out until the end of the Chinese New Year, that is on the fifteenth day which falls on February 24 this year.

The God of the Stove (yes, we have one governing the fireplace area) is expected back from Heaven on this fourth day of the new year. Food offerings are laid out to welcome him back to the home. It is believed that the God of the Stove leaves for Heaven on the 24th day of the twelve month to report on the activities of the household and returns on the fourth day of the new year.

The Fourth day of Chinese New Year is the birthday of Sheep, after the Chicken, Dog and Pig.


Related articles:
- Chinese New Year eve - the Reunion dinner
- Chinese New Year - the First day
- Chinese New Year - the Second day
- Chinese New Year - the Third day


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Chinese New Year - the Third day

Today is the Third day of Chinese New Year. We have been brought up that the Third day is not for visiting if we have not been to the host's home on the First day or Second day. This day has been named Beggar's Day or Poor Man's Day and it is inauspicious for both parties so it is best to stay at home.

Unlike the First Day and Second Day of Chinese New Year, the Third day is a lot quieter with less visits and hosting.

Also, families who had an immediate relative deceased in the past year (in the old days, it was a period of three years) will not go visiting as a form of respect to the deceased. It is also so as not to bring bad luck to the occupants of the home visited.

The Third day is a favourable day to visit the temple of the God of Wealth and have one's future told for the coming year. The elder who goes to the temple is usually the matriarch of the family and she would make it a point to have every member's future told. This is done by way of shaking a bamboo container of numbered sticks.

What she does is, she kneels down in front of the deity in the temple and asks for blessings at the same time shaking the bamboo container of numbered sticks until one stick falls out of the container onto the floor. She then picks it up and proceeds to collect the fortune slip that matches the number. The man at the stand will explain the meaning of the reading based on what is asked for which could be relating to a relationship, business luck, health, or general luck. This procedure is repeated for each family member. It's a tedious activity so if your mom or grandma has done this for you, know you are blessed. Appreciate the hardwork not forgetting the love and concern she has for you.

The First day being the birthday of Chickens,
The Second day, Dogs,
This Third Day is the birthday of Pigs.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Chinese New Year - the Second Day

Today is the Second day of Chinese New Year, a day known as kāinián in Mandarin or hoinin in Cantonese (开年) or translated as "beginning of the year". Just like the Reunion dinner on the eve of New Year, family members also get together on the Second day for a hearty meal to begin the new year. Offerings are also made to deities and ancestors at the home altars in Taoist/Buddhist homes.

In the old days, traditionally, married daughters did not have the opportunity to visit their birth family frequently. So this second day has been designated as a day in which married daughters visit and pay respect to their birth parents. This is still being practised to this day.

Giving of goodluck money in a red envelope or hongbao is an activity practised during Chinese New Year and other special occasions such as birthdays and weddings. In Chinese tradition, hongbao is given out by married elders to unmarried persons including children and adults who are still single.

Married daughters going back to visit their parents will have to give hongbao to their nieces, nephews, unmarried brothers and sisters. This goodluck money is a form of pocket money the recipient can spend on whatever he wishes.

While the First day of the lunar year is believed to be the birthday of chickens, the Second day is the birthday of dogs.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Chinese New Year - On the First Day

Today is Chinese New Year, meaning the First day of the 15-day Chinese New Year or Spring festival.

"Happy Chinese New Year and Kong Hei Fatt Choy!"

The above is a common greeting the first time we meet friends and family throughout the Chinese New Year, i.e., any time within the fifteen days of the festival.

What do Chinese families normally do on Day 1 celebrating the first day of the new lunar year?

In the old days, firecrackers would be set off before they go out visiting. It is believed that the noise from firecrackers can drive away evil spirits. The red colour in firecrackers also symbolises good luck in traditional Chinese culture.

Today in Malaysia, as in many parts of the world, setting off firecrackers is an offence. However, for official functions, permits can be obtained for setting off firecrackers usually along with a lion dance or a dragon dance.

On the first day of Chinese New Year, we visit elders and senior members of the extended family including parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles and aunties, and others in their homes and wish them a happy new year.

If distance is a constraint, advancement in technology has helped bridged the distance.

During Chinese New Year, we are required to mind our language remembering to be mindful about using positive words and refrain from using unlucky words such as 'die' or 'bad luck'. Swearing and losing temper is a no-no.

On the first day, it is customary to observe a vegetarian first meal. For most of us, this is one day in a year, slaughtering of animals is refrained.

On the first day, sweeping the floor is definitely out. This is akin to sweeping away good luck. Brooms are normally kept out of sight. Doing laundry and other cleaning chores are also avoided.

Breakable items such as crockery are handled with care. This is because a breakage could be an omen of an unhappy incident in the family. Sharp objects such a scissors are also kept away. Clipping of nails and washing of hair are also avoided on the first day of Chinese New Year.

Traditionally, red is the colour for Chinese New Year. The colour to avoid is black. These days, other colours are also favoured to be worn that are believed to bring good fortune in the coming year.


This year Google has an interesting interactive doodle for Chinese New Year that involves a game with snakes and goodies associated with the holiday, this being the Year of the Snake. You can go to Google search to play the game.
Again, Gong Xi Fa Cai!


Related article:
- Chinese New Year Eve - Reunion dinner

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Chinese New Year Eve - Reunion dinner


Image source

Chinese New Year celebration begins with the Reunion dinner tonight, the eve of Chinese New Year.

Millions of Chinese all over the world would have made their way home for this important gathering of family members.

Here in Malaysia and Singapore, the dish above is a must at the Reunion dinner or at any dinner throughout the entire 15 days of the Chinese New Year celebration if one were to eat at a restaurant.

This Yee Sang (or YuSheng in Mandarin) dish is a Prosperity Toss dish of raw fish (most commonly salmon nowadays) mixed with shredded vegetables including daikon (white radish), carrots, red pepper (capsicum), turnips, red pickled ginger, sun-dried oranges, daun limau nipis (key lime leaves), Chinese parsley, chilli, jellyfish, chopped peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, Chinese shrimp crackers (or fried dried shrimp), five spice powder and other ingredients, laced with a sauce using plum sauce, rice vinegar, kumquat paste and sesame oil, for a total of 27 ingredients.

As you can see in the image, everyone at the dinner partakes in the exercise of tossing the Prosperity Toss dish. While tossing, diners will voice out their wish for the new year which can be for a job promotion, extra bonus, striking a lottery, good health, and so forth. Chopsticks are normally used.

Many families here go out to restaurants for the Reunion dinner. Reservations at restaurants are oftentimes necessary to secure a table as more and more families eat out nowadays. Buffet dinners are becoming popular.

Happy Chinese New Year 2013!


My best wishes to You and Your Loved Ones for a wonderful lunar new year of the Snake and may all that you wish for come true in the year.

Happy New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Friday Frolics - What Utensil Are You?

Here is a thought-provoking set of questions whose answers you choose collectively point to a part of your personality. See if you agree with the result.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Two days to go before Chinese New Year..



You Are a Fork


You are truthful, direct, and straight forward.

People find your honesty to be a bit piercing at times.



You are driven and wildly ambitious.

You know what you want, and you take the most direct path to getting it.

Last Week's Quiz - What Kind of Storm Are You?

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Trainee pilot survives plane crash in Malacca

I say, "Wow! One lucky dude!" He is destined for bigger things. Read on..

A light aircraft piloted by a 20-year-old trainee pilot crash landed in front of an apartment block at Cheng Heights, near the Pulau Gadong traffic junction in Malacca.


The plane landed in front of an apartment block at Cheng Heights. (Pix from Fire & Rescue Department of Malaysia Facebook)


Read article: The Star..Trainee pilot survives plane crash in Malacca

Image source: The Star

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Psy to perform in Penang during Chinese New Year

Say what you like, Psy is still making waves with his Gangnam Style that has taken the world by storm and whose video on YouTube has garnered more than a billion views making it an all-time high record.

If you are in Penang during Chinese New Year, you will get the chance to catch Psy performing his horse-galloping dance moves live on the second day of Chinese New Year, 11 Feb.

The performance is in conjunction with Barisan Nasional's Chinese New Year open house on Feb 11 from 10am to 1pm.

Psy or Park Jae-sang is expected to perform his viral hit in front of some 60,000 guests, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Han Chiang High School field.

It has been reported that Psy will be paid US$1 mil (roughly RM3.1 mil) and if you are wondering, yes, Psy is more expensive than teen pop superstar Justin Bieber, who is paid US$1 mil for a full concert in KL.


Image source: The Star

Saturday, February 2, 2013

10-minute immigration clearance at KLIA

Clearance at immigration and luggage pickup at the airport are two common grouses of travellers.

At the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the first grouse could be a thing of the past. The first day of the 10-minute immigration clearance initiative at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) got off to a smooth start on Friday.

All 58 counters, including six auto gates, for arriving passengers would be opened during the peak hours. There are three peak hour timeframes - between 6pm-9pm, 6am-8am and 12pm-2:30pm. It was observed on Friday, despite the arrival of nearly 3,000 passengers within three hours, there was hardly any bottleneck at Immigration counters. The passengers had arrived between 6pm and 9pm.

The assurance is that the last person in the queue will be attended to in less than 10 minutes.

"If there is no issue with their documents, it will take only 45 seconds to process it and the passengers will be cleared in 10 minutes," said Immigration director-general Datuk Alias Ahmad.

He said the 10-minute clearance initiative had been applied at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal since 2011.


Source: The Star..Smooth start for 10-minute immigration clearance initiative at KLIA